Meaning of Headline

A headline is that bold caption of a news story in few words which draws attention to the story. It summarises and grades a story, telling readers the importance of each story in a newspaper or magazine. It is expected to tell the readers at a glance what the story is all about. It must be short, punchy, and attractive in order to catch the attention of the readers.

Importance of Headlines

1. Headlines in newspapers and magazines perform the following functions:
2. Attract the attention of the readers
3. They grade the news
4. They sell news stories
5. They summarise the stories
6. They are elements of page make-up
7. They facilitate reading and choice of stories.

Five types of newspaper headlines

1. Straight News Headline: This type of headline presents the most important information in a straightforward manner. It typically summarizes the key points of the news story in a concise and clear way, aiming to inform readers quickly.
2. Question Headline: Question headlines pose a question to the reader, piquing their curiosity and encouraging them to read further to find the answer. They are often used to engage readers and create interest in the topic.
3. Command Headline: Command headlines use imperative verbs to instruct or persuade readers to take action. They are direct and forceful, urging readers to do something or pay attention to a particular issue.
4. Pun Headline: Pun headlines rely on wordplay and clever language to catch the reader’s attention. They often use double meanings or humorous twists to convey the message of the news story in an entertaining way.
5. Sensational Headline: Sensational headlines aim to grab attention through dramatic or exaggerated language. They often emphasize the most shocking or controversial aspects of a story to attract readers, sometimes at the expense of accuracy or nuance.

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